Soroti murder: Kokunda’s final moments [Around Uganda]

April 8, 2026·11 min·1 clip

The reconstruction of the Good Friday killing that has shaken Soroti city and reignited concerns about mobile money operator safety across Uganda.

The New Vision Daily Podcast presents a report on the murder of Patricia Kokunda in Soroti City. Host Razia Othman introduces the story reported by Godfrey Ojore. The episode begins with national crime statistics, noting over 200,000 criminal cases annually in Uganda with rising mobile money-related crimes. The focus shifts to Soroti, where Kokunda, a 32-year-old mobile money agent and cattle trader, was killed on April 3rd. Police led a reconstruction of the crime with Regional Police Commander Ibrahim Saiga. Investigators revealed Kokunda had been under surveillance for days due to her cash movements. On Good Friday morning, she left her home near Waiwai bus offices and boarded a taxi heading to Ochormongin Cattle Market. Suspect Simon Epeu, alias Iboda, entered the taxi shortly after and pulled Kokunda out, grabbing her bag. An accomplice then shot her in the legs as she tried to pursue them. Kokunda later died at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital. The suspects fled to Aminit in Soroti's East Division, where they shared the stolen money, with Epeu receiving 8 million shillings. Police arrested several suspects including Alex Okelo, Felix Onego, and Simon Epeu. They recovered 7 million shillings and Kokunda's smartphone. The episode highlights how the crime was carefully planned and executed in plain sight. It concludes by noting the impact on Soroti's sense of safety and renewed concerns for mobile money operators.

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